Gillingham manager Martin Allen will be switching
his attention back to the number one objective following Saturday’s
FA Cup exit.

A 2-0 defeat at Preston ended the Gills' cup run in the second
round, but the task of maintaining their lead in League 2 and
clinching promotion will be the aim of the Gills boss.

Allen, pictured, said: "Promotion has been the goal
since day one.

"I do love the FA Cup and I love the excitement it creates but
we are not now going to be in the draw which is a blow. I have had
a lot of good runs in the FA Cup but I have never had a promotion.
It’s my goal and it’s the club’s goal."

And returning to places like Preston will be the prize if that
goal is achieved.

"We just have to keep picking up points, ploughing along," Allen
said.

"The supporters behind the goal on Saturday were tremendous,
even when it was 2-0. They saw our players giving everything and
they didn’t sulk, or moan, they kept shouting for the team.

"It wasn’t a great day but we’ve made our mark and this is where
we want to be coming back to next year. This is where we want to
come and win, and take them on. We can do that and we will do
that."